AC/DC Not Retiring, Music Insiders Claim

UG editorial team. A group of people who are passionate about guitar and music in general.

Posted on Apr 16, 2014 01:16 pm

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Another series of somewhat contradicting info regarding the current state of AC/DC has surfaced, noting on one hand that the band is not retiring, but confirming that guitarist Malcolm Young is definitely in bad health shape.

As reported, stories about the band possibly calling it quits have recently appeared, citing Malcolm's bad health as the main reason. As one of the sources noted, Young has reportedly forgotten how to play guitar due to a brain clot, leaving AC/DC with no other option but to call it quits.

Now the fresh info - first, a Billboard music insider stressed that stories regarding the group's retirement are "exaggerated." Furthermore, Noise11 points out that the initial rumor was sent to 6PR radio station by an anonymous tipper using the Thunderstruck alias.

But on the other hand, Malcolm's longtime friend told ABC Radio (via Blabbermouth) that the guitarist won't be able to perform again due to a serious illness. "That is true, Malcolm is sick,"Choirboys singer Mark Gable said. "From what I understand, and it's even been confirmed in part by his son Ross[Young].

"It would appear Malcolm is unable to perform anymore," he added. "It's not just that he is unwell, it's that it is quite serious. It will constitute that he definitely won't be able to perform live. He will probably not be able to record."

However, Gable also noted that Malcolm's illness might not prevent the band from continuing. "There was speculation that they had this even tacit agreement that if no member currently was able to perform, AC/DC would cease," he said. "However Alex Young's son Stevie replaced Malcolm Young a few years back for a tour, and nobody knew the difference."

According to the Age, a source close to the Young family stated that the guitarist's condition has deteriorated to a point where his wife Linda and the rest of the family started to search for full-time respite care for Malcolm. The guitarist is reportedly having difficulty to remember familiar faces and even communicate.

"His memory loss is so bad it is consistent with Alzheimer's or dementia although we do not know that is what it is," the source noted. "There has been talk about cancer too."

The band is yet to release an official statement regarding the matter. Stay tuned.

I think we can trust this message from the band's official facebook page:
"After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.
In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."

Replacing someone onstage for part of a tour and replacing the main songwriter and one of the founding members of a group for good are two completely different things. It would be ridiculous.
Anyway, I wish they released some sort of official statement soon, because these rumours are getting out of control. I really hope Malcolm is doing fine. It's starting to look quite grim, though... Wish him the best.

They haven't written anything yet. As soon as they started jamming Mal realized he couldn't play right. But Johnson seems pretty optimistic; he said they're still planning on entering the studio in May and they'll see where it goes from there.

Whether or not AC/DC continues on without him this still sucks. All the member of AC/DC are great but Malcolm is the heart and soul of the band. His rhythm playing is what made AC/DC what it was and without him it will never be the same. Malcolm is an amazing player, and it's sad that he doesn't get the recognition he deserves a lot of the time. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery and that he can live a fulfilling life even if he must leave the band behind.

Not sure how I feel about this. I hope Malcolm recovers but I've experienced this type of thing personally in family and it rarely ends well. I think they could go on for one more album, perhaps a tribute like they did for Bon Scott in Back in Black (whether Malcolm passes or not) and honor is contributions to what the band accomplished.

You are waay behind UG, http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/acdcs-b... :p
Though it seems that Malcolm might be sick and it might be somewhat serious, they just don't want to talk about as long as there's any hope that he recovers (i would assume).

you are behind too.
Straight from the AC/DC facebook page:
"After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.
In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."

if this is completly oficial, its a bit of a relief, altough I still stand that ACDC is one of the few bands that they reached to a point where even if they retire or not, fans will not complain because they have already been satisfied enough with their work so far.

Is Australia another national health care country? Is that why there is no diagnosis? Maybe when his number is called 13 months from now, they can run a test or two to see if he has cancer or Alzheimers. Nice.
You should have moved to the US like your mate, Brian Johnson. At least here we can still run tests without government approval.
If the banks were too big to fail, then AC/DC sure as hell is too big to let Malcolm wither away. SAVE THIS MAN AT ANY COST! IT'S MALCOLM YOUNG, FOR CRISSAKES!

The band has released a statement. They're not retiring. Malcolm is taking a break to try and recover and the band will continue. They are going to have a jam soon and see if something works, if it does they will record. No word on who will fill in for Malcolm, probably his son.

Glad to hear he's taking a break
Take your time Malcolm you've earnt a rest! when you come back we'll all be here ready to welcome you back!!
i really hope he recovers and comes back in full force!
AC/DC is one of the reasons why i play today i can listen to any song off any album and start rocking to it just shows they've stood the test of time!
We salute you Malcolm!

It is very sad to hear about Malcolm Young and I wish him well in his battle with illness. I'm not an AC/DC fan at all though and can't say that if they decide to pack it in that the music world will have lost the opportunity to find "the lost chord". They have been treading the same old path for 39 years and they have now laid the ground for Airbourne to take over their legacy. All things must pass so why will them to go on when they have nothing new to say ? I wish them well in their retirement.